Willis International Chairman Sarah Turvill Wins P

LONDON, Oct. 28, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sarah Turvill, Chairman of Willis International, part of Willis Group Holdings (NYSE: WSH ) the global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker, has been recognised for her career achievements and support for women in the insurance industry with a Women in the City, Women of Achievement Award for Insurance Services.

The Women of Achievement Awards recognise remarkable female executives who, in addition to fulfilling a demanding role, are making sure that skilled and intelligent women are being supported to remain and progress in the workplace.

Turvill is Chairman of Willis International, which represents Willis's global retail operations outside of North America, comprising almost 7,000 employees and US$1bn in revenue. Turvill began her career in the legal department and went on to play an instrumental role in establishing Willis's international presence through a series of acquisitions and start-ups. Willis Group now has 400 offices in 90 countries around the world.

Mindful of the lack of female role models in the insurance industry, Turvill was also a founder of Women at Willis - a networking forum which aims to enable high performing women to achieve their potential and advance to senior executive levels.

On winning the award, Sarah Turvill said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been recognised for this award. In the insurance industry we are still short of women in leadership roles and often short-sighted in recognising the positive contribution that women will make to our business. I am passionate about advancing the cause of women in the industry and I am confident that this award will help me and others succeed in our mission."

Commenting on Turvill's achievements, Gwen Rhys, CEO of Networking Culture Ltd and Founder of Women in the City, said: "This year, the competition was stronger than ever and category panels deliberated long and hard when selecting a winner. Instrumental in setting up Women at Willis and often the only female leading international negotiations, Sarah makes a strong business case for diversity. Many women cite 'lack of role models' as a barrier to success. Females working in insurance need look no further than this year's Woman of Achievement, Insurance Category Award winner for the inspiration they need."

Turvill will now go on to contend for the overall 2013 Woman of Achievement Award at the 11th Annual Women in the City Celebration Lunch on Friday, 29th November in London.

About Willis

Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker. With roots dating to 1828, Willis operates today on every continent with more than 17,000 employees in over 400 offices. Willis offers its clients superior expertise, teamwork, innovation and market-leading products and professional services in risk management and transfer. Our experts rank among the world's leading authorities on analytics, modelling and mitigation strategies at the intersection of global commerce and extreme events. Find more information at our website, www.willis.com , our leadership journal, Resilience , or our up-to-the-minute blog on breaking news, WillisWire . Across geographies, industries and specialisms, Willis provides its local and multinational clients with resilience for a risky world.

Media: Paul Platt + 44 (0)20 3124 7659 Email: Investors: Peter Poillon +1 212 915 8084 Email: